Health officials have extended a rabies alert in Kendall in southwest Miami-Dade County after another raccoon tested positive for rabies bringing the total to six.
The Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County made the announcement in a statement on Monday.
The agency said it is extending the alert by an additional 60 days until Nov. 16, for the section of West Kendall from SW 152nd Street to 187th Street north and south, as well as 117th Avenue to 137th Avenue to the east and west.
Officials first announced the alert on May 18 after a rabid raccoon was found in the area. Five more rabid raccoons have been found since.
Rabies is a nervous system disease that can be fatal in humans and warm-blooded animals – with the only treatment for human exposure being a specific immunization.
DOH officials advise all residents to keep their pets’ vaccinations up to date and keep them under supervision while outside and to avoid wild animals, including raccoons, bats, foxes, coyotes and others.
Humans are also not advised to feed wild animals or bring them into their home. Anyone who may have been exposed to a wild animal can call the DOH’s Miami-Dade office at 305-324-2400.
